Lovely story! I particularly enjoyed all the period details and clever turns of phrase, especially "a high domed forehead such as would drive a phrenologist to ecstasy." I squeed with glee when I read that!

I also appreciated that you captured Holmes' casual (and not so casual) cruelty in this, as well as his softer side. It's an ACD component that is tricky to incorporate, but you did it very well.